Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction and Agreement

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website and services provided by Blubutton digital ltd ("we", "our", "us", or "the Company").

By engaging our services or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our services.

These Terms should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.

2. Services Provided

BluButton Digital provides the following services:

• Website design and development
• Website maintenance and support
• Website hosting services
• SEO optimization
• E-commerce solutions
• Content management system (CMS) setup and training
• Other related web services as agreed

The specific services, deliverables, timelines, and pricing will be detailed in a separate project proposal or contract ("Project Agreement") which forms part of these Terms.

3. Quotations and Project Agreements

3.1 Quotations

All quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated. Quotations are based on the information provided by the client at the time of request.

3.2 Project Acceptance

A project is deemed accepted when:

• You sign a Project Agreement or written acceptance of our quotation, OR
• You pay the initial deposit (whichever occurs first)

3.3 Scope Changes

Any changes to the agreed scope of work must be requested in writing. Additional work beyond the original scope will be charged separately and may affect the project timeline.

4. Pricing and Payment Terms

4.1 Payment Structure

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, our standard payment structure is:

4.2 Payment Methods

We accept payment via:

• Bank transfer (BACS)
• Debit/Credit card (online payment)
• Other methods as agreed in writing

4.3 Late Payment

Invoices are due within 7 days of issue unless otherwise stated. Late payments may incur:

• Interest charges at 8% per annum above Bank of England base rate (as permitted by the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998)
• Suspension of work until payment is received
• Withholding of website files, credentials, or launch

4.4 VAT

We are currently not VAT registered. All prices quoted are final prices. Should we become VAT registered in the future, VAT will be added to invoices where applicable.

4.5 Additional Costs

The following are typically not included in project fees unless explicitly stated:

• Domain name registration (typically £10-30/year)
• Third-party plugins or premium software licenses
• Stock photography or custom illustration
• Copywriting or content creation
• Hosting beyond the included period

5. Refunds and Cancellation Policy

5.1 Client Cancellation Rights

You may cancel the project at any time by providing written notice. Refunds will be calculated based on the stage of the project:

5.2 Our Cancellation Rights

We reserve the right to cancel a project and provide a full refund if:

• We are unable to complete the project due to unforeseen circumstances
• The client fails to provide necessary materials or feedback within reasonable timeframes
• The client breaches these Terms

5.3 Refund Processing

Approved refunds will be processed within 14 working days via the original payment method.

6. Project Timeline and Delivery

6.1 Estimated Timelines

Project timelines are estimates and dependent on:

• Timely receipt of all required materials from the client
• Prompt feedback and approval at each project stage
• Project complexity and scope
• Current workload and project queue

6.2 Client Responsibilities

To ensure timely delivery, you agree to:

• Provide all content, images, logos, and materials within 7 days of request
• Respond to feedback requests within 5 working days
• Approve designs and milestones in a timely manner

Note: Delays in providing materials or feedback may extend the project timeline. Projects on hold for more than 30 days due to client inactivity may be subject to a restart fee.

6.3 Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, or technical failures of third-party services.

7. Intellectual Property and Ownership

7.1 Ownership Upon Payment

Upon receipt of full payment, you will own:

• The final website design and custom code created specifically for your project
• All content you have provided
• License to use any third-party components included in the project

7.2 Third-Party Components

Your website may incorporate:

• Open-source frameworks and libraries (e.g., React, Next.js, Tailwind CSS)
• Third-party plugins or extensions
• Stock imagery or fonts (which may require separate licensing)

These components remain subject to their respective licenses.

7.3 Portfolio and Credit

Unless otherwise agreed, we reserve the right to:

• Display your website in our portfolio
• Include a small "Designed by BluButton Digital" credit link in the website footer (removable upon request)
• Use your project as a case study for marketing purposes

If you require confidentiality, please inform us in writing before the project begins.

7.4 Client Materials

You warrant that:

• You own or have permission to use all materials you provide
• Your materials do not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights
• You will indemnify us against any claims arising from your materials

8. Warranties and Support

8.1 Warranty Period

We provide a warranty for the following periods after project launch:

• Starter Package: 1 month of free support for bug fixes
• Professional Package: 2 months of free support
• Premium Package: 3 months of free support

Free support covers:

• Technical bugs in the website functionality as originally delivered
• Minor content updates and corrections
• Security updates to core software

8.2 Exclusions from Warranty

Warranty does not cover:

• Issues caused by client modifications or third-party interference
• New features or functionality beyond the original scope
• Problems arising from hosting or server issues (unless we provide hosting)
• Third-party service outages (e.g., payment gateways, APIs)
• Browser or device compatibility issues arising after launch

8.3 Ongoing Maintenance

After the warranty period, you can:

• Subscribe to a monthly maintenance plan (£300-£600/month)
• Request ad-hoc support at £60/hour
• Manage the website yourself (if CMS is included)

9. Hosting and Domain Names

9.1 Hosting Services

All packages include hosting and SSL certificates for the first year. After the first year:

• Hosting fees are approximately £100-150/year depending on requirements
• You may choose to host with us or transfer to another provider
• We will provide all necessary files and credentials

9.2 Domain Names

Domain names are typically registered in your name. You are responsible for:

• Annual domain renewal fees
• Maintaining accurate WHOIS information
• Ensuring domain ownership remains valid

We can assist with domain registration and management as an optional service.

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 Exclusions

Nothing in these Terms shall limit or exclude our liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by our negligence
• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• Any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under English law

10.2 Financial Liability Cap

Subject to clause 10.1, our total liability to you for any claims arising out of or in connection with these Terms or our services, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, shall be limited to the total fees paid by you for the specific project giving rise to the claim.

10.3 Consequential Loss

We shall not be liable for:

• Loss of profits, sales, business, or revenue
• Business interruption
• Loss of anticipated savings
• Loss of business opportunity, goodwill, or reputation
• Any indirect or consequential loss or damage whatsoever

10.4 Website Performance

While we strive for excellence, we cannot guarantee:

• Specific search engine rankings or SEO performance
• Website uptime (dependent on hosting provider, though we aim for 99.9%)
• Compatibility with all browsers, devices, or future software updates
• Freedom from all errors or bugs

10.5 Professional Indemnity Insurance

We are currently in the process of obtaining professional indemnity insurance. Until such insurance is in place, the liability limitations in this section apply.

11. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to keep confidential any proprietary or sensitive information disclosed during the project, including:

• Business strategies and plans
• Financial information
• Customer data
• Technical specifications
• Any information marked as "confidential"

This obligation survives termination of the project for a period of 3 years.

12. Termination

12.1 Termination by Client

You may terminate the project at any time in accordance with the Refund Policy (Section 5).

12.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate the project immediately if:

• You breach these Terms
• Payment is overdue by more than 14 days
• You fail to provide required materials or feedback for more than 30 days
• The project becomes illegal or unethical

12.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• All outstanding fees become immediately due and payable
• We will provide you with work completed up to the termination date (upon payment of outstanding fees)
• Our obligations under these Terms cease except for confidentiality obligations

13. Acceptable Use Policy

We reserve the right to refuse service or terminate projects involving:

• Illegal activities or content
• Hate speech, discrimination, or harmful content
• Adult or explicit content (without prior agreement)
• Pyramid schemes or fraudulent activities
• Infringement of intellectual property rights
• Malware, viruses, or malicious code

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Informal Resolution

If a dispute arises, we encourage you to contact us first at hello@blubutton.co.uk so we can attempt to resolve the matter amicably.

14.2 Mediation

If informal resolution fails, both parties agree to attempt mediation before pursuing legal action.

14.3 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any Project Agreement and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us.

15.2 Amendments

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

15.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15.4 Waiver

No waiver of any term shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or any other term.

15.5 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your project to any third party without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations under these Terms.

15.6 Third-Party Rights

These Terms are between you and us. No third party shall have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of these Terms.

16. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us: